Deal With Toxic Positivity in the Workplace Like a Professional

Last Updated on August 5, 2023 by Daniel Boyce

Hey there! Today we’re talking about something you might not have heard of – toxic positivity in the workplace.

So what is toxic positivity? It’s essentially the idea of encouraging a constant “positive attitude” in any situation, no matter what.

It comes in the form of phrases like “Just think positive!” or “Look for the silver lining!” – things that might seem harmless and well-intentioned but can be quite harmful.

A workplace that encourages toxic positivity often creates a culture where expressing negative emotions or experiences is seen as unacceptable.

Employees might feel pressured to suppress their true feelings to maintain that constant positive attitude, leading to emotional labor and burnout.

That’s not to say that positivity isn’t important!

It’s just that when it’s forced in an unhealthy way, it can have negative consequences.

So let’s dive a little deeper into the characteristics of toxic positivity and why it’s so dangerous in the workplace.

What is toxic positivity in the workplace?

Let’s talk about toxic positivity in the workplace.

Have you ever been in a situation where you were going through a tough time, and someone told you to “just stay positive” or “look on the bright side”?

While they may have had good intentions, this kind of attitude is harmful when it’s forced on someone.

Toxic positivity is defined as the continuous effort to maintain a positive mindset and minimize the human experience by disregarding negative emotions.

It’s a narrow view of positivity that ignores the fact that we all experience difficult emotions at times.

In a workplace that promotes toxic positivity, employees may feel pressured to suppress their true feelings to maintain that constant positive attitude.

They may feel like they can’t express their concerns or negative experiences, which can lead to emotional labor and burnout.

So, what are some common phrases or attitudes associated with toxic positivity?

Well, you’ve probably heard things like “Just think positive” or “Everything happens for a reason”.

These phrases may seem harmless, but they can invalidate someone’s legitimate concerns and make them feel like their negative emotions are not valid.

It’s important to note that positivity is important, but there is a difference between healthy positivity and toxic positivity.

Healthy positivity acknowledges and validates negative emotions while promoting a positive mindset.

It’s about finding a balance between the two and allowing employees to express their full range of emotions in a safe space.

In the end, the goal should be to create a positive work environment that supports employees’ mental and physical health, rather than promoting toxic work behaviors like emotional suppression and fear of judgment.

Examples of toxic positivity in the workplace

Now that we know what it is, let’s take a look at some examples of toxic positivity in the workplace and how it can negatively impact employees’ mental health and well-being.

1. Disingenuous Attitude toward Negative Emotions

Have you ever had a conversation with someone who always responds to negative emotions with overly positive language, without actually addressing the problem at hand?

For instance, when an employee expresses concern over a difficult project, and the manager responds with “Don’t worry, just think positive thoughts. Everything will work out fine.”

This response shows a lack of empathy and can leave employees feeling dismissed.

In the long run, this can lead to decreased engagement and motivation.

2. Unrealistic Expectations

It’s great to aim high and set ambitious goals, but there are limits to what is achievable.

When a company sets impossible targets for its employees and expects them to maintain a positive attitude even when they’re struggling, it can create a toxic work environment.

A team leader that consistently has over-the-top expectations without providing any support or resources can damage company morale, causing employees to become demotivated, stressed, and ultimately disengaged.

3. Ignoring Negative Feedback

Constructive feedback, even if negative, is essential for employees’ professional development.

However, when a workplace culture prioritizes only positive feedback, it can be demoralizing for the employee and reinforce a culture of superficiality.

It’s crucial to provide honest feedback while also encouraging a positive outlook.

An organizational psychologist once said, “You don’t have to be mean to be honest” – something we can all remember when giving or receiving feedback.

4. Overgeneralizing Positive Mantras

Positive affirmations and quotes have always been popular, and companies have started incorporating them into daily work routines.

However, when these mantras are used in excess and respond to more significant issues, they can quickly become useless.

Employees can feel neglected and unheard when company leadership’s response to significant challenges is only to use a positive phrase.

This can create a culture of suppression, making it difficult for employees to feel comfortable sharing their concerns.

How to recognize toxic positivity in your workplace

Hey there! Today we’re going to talk about toxic positivity in the workplace. It’s a thing, and it can be harmful to your mental health. But how do you recognize it? Here are some tips to help you identify the signs of toxic positivity in your workplace.

First of all, pay attention to the language that your colleagues or team leaders use when discussing difficult situations or negative emotions.

Do they always focus on the positive and dismiss or ignore any legitimate concerns or negative feelings?

It’s important to acknowledge the full spectrum of emotions, both positive and negative.

Watch out for phrases like “good vibes only” or “just think positively.”

While it’s great to have a positive attitude, blindly ignoring reality and suppressing negative emotions can be damaging to your mental health.

Take note of how your colleagues or team leaders respond to your emotional experiences.

Do they try to put a positive spin on everything and rush to dismiss your struggles?

Or do they truly acknowledge your feelings and provide support without minimizing them?

Another red flag of toxic positivity is when employees don’t feel comfortable sharing their true feelings for fear of judgment.

This can create a culture of suppression that ultimately undermines employee well-being.

To sum it up, recognizing toxic positivity in your workplace requires paying attention to language, attitudes towards negative emotions, and the overall culture of emotional expression.

Remember that it’s okay to feel negative emotions and that a positive attitude should not come at the expense of your mental health.

How to combat toxic positivity in the workplace

Leading by Example: Encouraging Authenticity

So, how do we counteract it? The answer lies in setting the right example.

As a leader, fostering authenticity is vital.

It involves candidness about personal experiences and struggles, paving the way for an atmosphere where others feel safe doing the same.

Show Vulnerability: Share Your Challenges

Demonstrate this by discussing your past work experiences and the difficulties you faced.

It’s okay to be vulnerable and discuss how you managed your emotions then.

This openness inspires others to mirror it, embodying true workplace authenticity.

Active Listening: Validate Others’ Emotions

Another countermeasure to toxic positivity is to listen when colleagues express negativity.

Avoid dismissing their feelings; instead, validate them.

Use phrases like “I hear you” or “That sounds tough”. This nurtures mutual trust and cultivates a culture of honesty and openness.

Supporting Employees: Encourage Validation

If you see an employee succumbing to toxic positivity, suggest they pause and seek validation.

Remind them that negative emotions are natural and vital to acknowledge and address.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s important to recognize the negative impact that toxic positivity can have on the workplace.

While a positive work environment is certainly important, forcing positivity at all costs can be harmful to employees’ mental health and overall productivity.

To combat toxic positivity, it’s important to prioritize open communication and mutual trust, creating a safe space where employees feel comfortable sharing their experiences and emotions.

This includes acknowledging difficult situations, taking employee concerns seriously, and providing solutions and support whenever possible.

Building a positive, healthy workplace culture is key to preventing the spread of toxic positivity.

By valuing open communication and prioritizing employee mental health, teams can work together more effectively and cohesively, ultimately leading to greater productivity and job satisfaction.

So, let’s all take a moment to reflect on our workplace cultures and how we can improve them to avoid toxic positivity and instead promote a truly positive, supportive work environment.